Moonpi

That just happens not to be your taste. Do the kind of quilts that appeal to your sense of style. I happen (surprisingly) to like the block swaps because they force me to use colors and values I never would use for a full quilt. Some are a real stretch.

When I want to do something creative, just for art's sake, I generally doodle up something to applique. When I want something utilitarian, I strip piece. Patchwork satisfies both if the pattern appeals to me.

I love the looks of paper piecing, but it is not a good method for me - too wasteful and I have to re-do blocks three times to get a usable one. I still use the method on rare occassions, but admire from afar. If you find a method of quilting that satisfies you, you will see traditional patchwork in the same light.

Marcia

Wow, Catherine. You have said a mouthful here and I would like to comment, if you do not mind. The first thing I would like to say is that I do not think there is a single person on this message board that would ever want to shun you for expressing your opinion. I think this is a group that welcomes all quilters, no matter what their style. I do not think you have anything to "get over". From the tone of your post, I am thinking there is a very frustrated, creative woman in there trying to get out!! You need to just throw caution (and the rules) to the wind and create what makes you happy :lol: Yes, you are a quilter!!!!

There are many styles of quilting. I happen to love traditional quilts-but I have never made one because I get very bored making the same block over and over and over again. (maybe I have ADD?). I would rather make a quilt where every block is a little different, or completely different. When I finish a quilt top I put it aside because I see what that quilt looks like-I have no desire to "waste my time" quilting it. I have no quilting ideas of my own and do not enjoy either hand or machine quilting. I have to either send a quilt out to be quilted or agonize over it myself. Yet, I still consider myself to be a quilter.

When I was young I was taught to "stay in the lines". I do not have an original thought in my head. If you give me a blank piece of paper and tell me to draw something I am busy looking around at everyone else's paper to see what they are drawing!! I have to use a pattern to make a quilt-though I can get creative with color.

For years I have attended quilt shows and looked at art quilts. I have no desire to ever even try to make an art quilt but, I find them to be beautiful. I appreciate all the time and TALENT that goes into them. I am fascinated by them. They are truly works of art.

Even if your quilting style is not "like everyone elses" on this board, do not think we do not want to see your quilts, or that we will not appreciate them. There are many things in life that are not my style, but that does not mean I cannot enjoy them. PLEASE, buy some art quilt magazines, or doodle on reams of paper or roll around the floor in your fabric stash-whatever makes you feel creative-then do your thing and let us appreciate your talents!!!!

zyxquilts

I'm with mommaB! I have made quilts from patterns - usually from a workshop or a mystery quilt class. I have designed my own patterns, & have taken classes on art quilts too. I like to pick out the colors, don't mind cutting & piecing, like to paper piece, don't care to applique by hand, but am starting to get the hang of Steam-a-Seam! I hate to layer, baste & quilt! LOL I took a class on long-arm quilting, and enjoyed the quilting part - well, the free-style quilting part...but putting it on the machine! ACH!
But I AM A QUILTER...and SO ARE YOU!!! And we do NEED to see pictures cuz we love the visuals of them ALL! :wink:

quiltsRfun

No, you don't need to get over anything. Just enjoy the process.

Actually, I'm kind of the same way about the quilting mags. I buy lots of them but have never actually made a quilt from them. I've also wondered if I'm wasting my time and money. But then I realized I was getting inspiration whether it be the color combinations, the way the blocks are set, the type of borders, etc.

Keep on quilting and don't feel a bit guilty about your process or your style.

mgshaw

[quote=Catherine]..I LOVE to piece a quilt ...I love quilting..








I think that right there, that quote, is what defines you as a quilter!

DA Mayer

I am drawn to nontraditonal quilts also. I just have to get brave enough to step out and try some of them.

quiltwoman

Absolutely NOTHING! Fabric is simply a medium like paint or thread or glass. What you choose to do with it, is entirely up to you!!

Please post some of your work. I"d love to see it!
Julie

Virginia H. Cunningham

Whoa!! I love traditional quilts and I love applilque quilts. For some reason I have made pieced quilts more than applique. Maybe I do less applique because someone in family is already an applique master.!! (lol) Check out her round robin center. Vicki and I do different techniques, AND we're still quilters. You have nothing to get over. You are meant to do your own thing. Go for it!!
Vicki's sister (Virginia)

chairjogger

This past spring I visited a quilt show. It was a mix of traditional and new modern quilts using the newest fabrics available, threads and creative software. I think we are in a new time where our quilts will effect future generations at the creativity the ... new fabrics, threads and machinerly.. allow us.

the traditional is still in my heart. I do not have the equipment for this new generation, but I can certainly enjoy the wonderful achievements!

Yes to both, tradition and new style quilting.

Chairjogger

Joan

You are in the right place at the right time. I don't think there are two quilters on this board that like the same color combinations, same blocks, or same styles. In fact, that is what attracts me to quilting. There is room for everyone---some many techniques to learn and so many styles.

I go to the Quilt Show and have nothing but admiration (and sometimes it borders on jealousy....LOL) when I see some of the "art quilts" that have been created. My thought is always, "How did they think of that??????"--totally puzzled. And, I do emphasize these quilts have been "created"---one of a kind, totally unique and original.

Don't beat yourself up over it, enjoy the wonderful creativity that you possess and go with it! (And, I will be waiting to see your creations) And look for another magazine to subscribe to, I'll gladly take those oldies but goodies ones. Right now, I'm just learning and am satisfied to do a tried and true block. (and hope it all fits together!!!)